(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is asking beer lovers to support local breweries during Dry January through its third annual "My Illinois Beer Fridge" competition.
Data shows that last year, 25% of American adults aged 21 and over reported that they successfully completed Dry January, a month-long sober period where people abstain from drinking alcohol.
However, Ray Stout with the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild says the growing movement is hurting local businesses.
"Seventy-percent of our breweries sell a majority, if not all, of their products directly on site. And so if we have people intentionally not walking into those businesses. It's obviously going to have a negative effect," Stout said.
To combat the low sales, Stout said the Guild is continuing a contest that invites people to purchase beer from local, independent breweries they can drink after Dry January.
"Once they have their beers, their fridge stocked with with awesome Illinois beer, they take a picture of it, then they tag the brewery that they think is best represented with the with also ‘#MyILBeerFridge.’"
Photos can be posted on Facebook, X and Instagram (grid only) to enter the competition.
He says the owners of the most "dynamic" fridge will win a $50 gift card to the brewery tagged in their posts.
The competition runs weekly January 3-30
The winners each week will be notified weekly on Mondays.
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